More than any other human activity, public speaking is improved by practice and doing. Practicing thoroughly will increase your self confidence and improve your effectiveness, as you become better at delivering your speech. Many speakers do not practice their speech thoroughly and it shows. Some will read it word for word in a near monotone. Others attempt to "wing it" with an impromptu speech and rarely does it achieve the quality of a well prepared and practiced speech. It may contain many fine sounding phrases but deliver little content that is worthwhile for the audience. Normally, the most admired to deliver a speech is without notes, but not memorized word perfect but with the main points and ideas memorized only. A speech delivered in this manner when well practiced is the most likely to be natural and more like a conversation which is usually the most effective style. A proven method of practicing, so you can speak without notes (commonly known as extemporaneous method) follows:- 1. Write out your speech word for word. Writing out your speech will help you deliver it when you are on your feet. It helps to get your ideas down on paper, so you can see them. However, do not use it to rehearse your speech. 2. From the written speech prepare a speaking or skeleton outline. The main points of your speech should be written down in a few words so that you can see them at a glance. Any sub-points should be represented by 1 or 2 words. Keep the speaking outline brief to avoid the temptation to read the speech. 3. Practice the entire speech without reading. If you have any problems with the content refer back to your written speech for a reminder only. Study it, and try to deliver your speech from the speaking outline. Do not use the written speech as your memory jogger when running through your speech. 4. The amount of times needed to practice the speech will depend on the nature of the speech and how long it takes the speaker to become familiar with the ideas contained in the speech. The aim is to speak freely about your subject. The wording of your speech should be determined at the time you are speaking. If you word it differently each time you practice speaking, then one of these ways will almost certainly be recalled when you are speaking. 5. Practice your delivery in front of the mirror or alternatively video yourself and review for improvements. Also deliver it in front of a few friends and family to help to get used to an audience. If possible deliver it in the room where it will be finally delivered, it will help to prepare you for the actual speech conditions. 6. If you are struggling to free yourself from your notes, then commit the speaking outline to memory. The extemporaneous style of speaking promotes thinking on your feet which is a highly prized and admired skill. It allows you to be flexible enough to adapt to any changed circumstances, and is the best way to achieve a natural conversational style that is commonly the most effective public speaking style.
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